The 14 best LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings in Charlotte
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Scorpio Nightclub, housed in the former RSVP complex, draws a massive weekend crowd. Photo: Edison Peterson/Scorpio
Happy Pride month. Here are 14 LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings to check out in Charlotte.
Why it matters: As we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community this month, we want to highlight the places where Pride is celebrated year-round.
Editor's note: This is not an exhaustive list and it’s in no particular order.
- Event details are subject to change; please check each organization's website or social media platforms for the most up-to-date information.
Bars and Clubs
Bar Argon
The vibe: Bar Argon is “Charlotte’s only LGBTQ+ video lounge and dance bar,” according to its website.
Stop by: 4544 South Blvd.
- Open Thursday-Saturday 8pm-2am and Sunday 5-10pm.
- Follow Bar Argon on Instagram for details on upcoming events.
Chasers
The vibe: A long-time LGBTQ+ bar in NoDa with frequent theme nights (think glow parties, karaoke and country nights) and drink specials.
Stop by: 3217 The Plaza, near The Artisan’s Palate.
- Open Wednesday-Saturday 8pm-2am and Sunday 8pm-2am.
- Follow along on Instagram for details on upcoming events.
Sidelines
The vibe: An LGBTQ+ sports bar located next to Bar Argon on South Boulevard.
Stop by: 4544 South Blvd.
- Open Monday-Thursday 4pm-midnight, Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am and Sunday noon to midnight.
Scorpio (RSVP complex)
The vibe: Housed in the former RSVP space in South End, this four-story nightclub draws a massive crowd on the weekends.
Context: The Scorpio closed its original Freedom Drive location in October 2023 after 55 years of operation. It reopened in the RSVP complex in summer of 2024.
Stop by: 225 Fairwood Ave.
- Open Wednesday-Saturday 8pm-2am.
Woodshed Bar
The vibe: A 21+ bar in west Charlotte with daily drink specials, pool tables, a spacious patio and two outdoor bars.
Stop by: 3935 Queen City Dr., near the airport.
- Open Monday-Saturday from 5pm-2am and Sunday 3pm-1am.
- You must have a membership to enter or pay the guest cover. Memberships are $10, and you can sign up at the door.
Petra’s
The vibe: While not exclusively a gay bar, Petra's in Plaza Midwood is known for its live music and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere.
If you go: Plan to attend one of their "Hazy Sundays," an outdoor day party on the back patio every first, third and fifth Sunday of the month from 4-9pm. It's $10 at the door.
Stop by: 1919 Commonwealth Ave., by Calle Sol and Common Market.
Pride Gatherings and Events
Cirque du Biere's Pride Party
What's happening: The Charlotte aerialist troupe will host a pride-themed show and party (think drinks, tiny tattoos and tarot readings) on Saturday, June 28 at 7:30pm at Hi-Wire Brewing.
Stop by: 330 W. Tremont Ave.
Go deeper: Cirque du Biere combines aerial arts and Charlotte's favorite pastime — drinking beer
Girl's Room at The Music Yard
What to expect: High-energy music events and parties "created and curated by queer women" at venues in Charlotte and Raleigh.
What’s next: Girl Room is hosting a takeover at The Music Yard with headliner Aluna Friday, June 13 from 6-11pm.
- Tickets: $33+
- Check out Girl's Room on Instagram for more upcoming events.
Pride Crawls
Charlotte has several pride-themed bar crawls happening in June, including:
- Saturday, June 14: Charlotte Pride Bar Crawl by Baw Crawl Live in Uptown | 3pm | $20 | Multiple bars
- Saturday, June 21: Equality Pride Crawl by Carolina Crawls | 4pm | $13+ | Multiple bars (check in at Slate)
- Saturday, June 21: Charlotte Pride Bar Crawl by PubCrawls.com | 4pm | $20+ | Bars TBA
Pride in the Park
What's happening: RAIN's Pride in the Park will take place at Mint Museum Randolph from 5-10pm on Saturday, June 28.
- Expect music, art and performances celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
- The event is free. RSVP here.
Twirl to The World
Context: Twirl to the World is a nonprofit organization that hosts events, like drag brunches and dance parties, to support the LGBTQ+ community.
- A portion of the proceeds from all events goes towards Twirl to the World's Twirl Assistance Program, which supports the local LGBTQ+ community.
What's happening: A "Pretty in Pink" charity drag brunch at The Artisan's Palate at 11:30am and 2pm on Saturday, June 21. Tickets: $26
- The nonprofit will also host two parties at Blackbox Theater and Bar Argon on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17, respectively.
Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival
Context: While June is National Pride month, Charlotte Pride hosts its festivities, including the Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival, in August.
What's happening: This year, Charlotte Pride runs Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, in Uptown's First Ward Park, a shift from its previous home on South Tryon.
What to expect: Two stages — the Main Stage and Community Stage — will feature performances on both days, including local LGBTQ+ and ally entertainers, as well as a drag pageant.
- The two-day festival and parade are both free to attend.
- The parade will take place on Sunday along Tryon Street, like in years past, starting at 9th Street.
Resources and Support Groups
RAIN: A Charlotte-based nonprofit “serving youth, adults and seniors living with HIV and those at risk,” according to their website.
- RAIN also runs a drop-in resource center for LGBTQ+ youth in Charlotte called The Drop.
Time Out Youth: A support group for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. Get connected and stay up-to-date on Time Out’s events on Instagram.
PFLAG Charlotte: Founded in 1987, PFLAG Charlotte is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families. Stay connected on Instagram.
Transcend Charlotte: A nonprofit organization dedicated to equity and social justice for transgender and gender-diverse communities. Keep up with Transcend on Instagram.
Charlotte Gaymers Network: Founded in 2020, CGN is a network of folks “from all walks of life who are united in our passion and love for all things gaming.”
- Events take place in Charlotte and surrounding areas — stay connected on Instagram.
QnotesCarolinas: An LGBTQ+ news publication based in Charlotte, covering everything from local arts and entertainment to sports and wellness.
Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce: This nonprofit serves to "grow and advance economic success, equity and inclusion across the Carolinas for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and professionals," according to their Instagram bio.
Editor's note: This guide was originally published in June 2023 and last updated June 10, 2025.